Danny Whittle, who earlier this year, shocked the Ibiza Clubbing fraternity by announcing on twitter, that he was to leave Pacha, after an acrimonious disagreement with its owner Ricardo Urgell, is set to embark on a new business venture. Reports suggest, that Whittle, will collaborate with luxury restaurant owner, Giuseppe Cipriani, to open a brand new club in direct competition to Pacha. The new partners are rumoured to have purchased Penelopes, which has a long tradition on the Island of Ibiza as a hedonistic club venue. It was last home to the gay party Heaven and is located within walking distance of Pacha and directly faces the marina of Ibiza Town. The bold, offensive move, is seen as a clear marker of intent, to challenge Pacha and its own luxury restaurant venue of Lio, for the highly lucrative Ibiza VIP market.
Whittle was responsible for building the image of Pacha, from a local Spanish club, to an International brand name. After his thirteen year stint at Pacha, he has garnered extensive knowledge and contacts within the Ibiza clubbing landscape. In what will be perceived as a retaliation strike against Urgell's decision to end their successful relationship, ex Army man Whittle, will prove a very formidable and skilful adversary. It had always been an ambition of his to open his own club. Allied with the Capriani family and their powerful friends at Ushuaia, the bullet proof partnership will have the capability and fire power, to become a significant and influential force on the Ibiza social scene. It is expected that the new venture will resemble Lio in its business model.
The Old Penelope Ibiza
Licencing problems and politics have haunted Penelope's in the past but with such well connected people in place, the venue has the potential to be a serious rival to its near neighbour Pacha. Renovations and refurbishments, to increase the clubs small capacity of 1500, are expected to take place soon and the venue should be open for the new 2013 season. The club will most likely work with the Ushuaia brand, as an after party venue for the popular Playa Den Bossa daytime party Hotel. With battle lines clearly drawn, the clubbing landscape of Ibiza is expected to undergo major changes and transformations in 2013. The developments should make for some very interesting cultural and political times ahead and will no doubt, have certain factions on the Island, considering their options.
Update 29/11/12 Danny Whittle commented on Twitter about the move to Penelope's by stating "yes i think we can do good things there i have some great ideas and we all want to do good music"
Update 30/12/12 Mr Whittle has stated in reply to the above blog that; "even if myself and Ricardo have had disagreements the Urgell family will always have my total respect and many of the family members are my good friend especially Ricardos son Hugo, so for anyone to state that i am doing things to hurt them has totally no idea of the truth."
